The Vermont senator said progressives can work with Trump to help struggling Americans, but warned they will not tolerate bigotry

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U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders opposes most of Donald Trump's views, but is prepared to work with him on "policies that improve the lives of working families" in order to move the country forward.

The former candidate for president, who lost to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary, said in a statement on Trump's election released Wednesday that, "Donald Trump tapped into the anger of a declining middle class that is sick and tired of establishment economics, establishment politics and the establishment media."

He added, "People are tired of working longer hours for lower wages, of seeing decent paying jobs go to China and other low-wage countries, of billionaires not paying any federal income taxes and of not being able to afford a college education for their kids - all while the very rich become much richer."

While Sanders said progressives will work together with Trump to help struggling Americans, he warned that they will not tolerate bigotry.

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"To the degree that Mr. Trump is serious about pursuing policies that improve the lives of working families in this country, I and other progressives are prepared to work with him. To the degree that he pursues racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-environment policies, we will vigorously oppose him."

Sanders also tweeted Thursday morning, saying, "If Donald Trump takes people's anger and turns it against Muslims, Hispanics, African Americans and women, we will be his worst nightmare."

Sanders said he will support Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota for chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He also not ruling out the possibility of a 2020 run, but said "four years is a long time from now."